asked the Secretary of State for War what period of leave is given to National Service men serving in the army in Germany.

The period of leave granted to National Service men in Germany varies according to the date of entry into the Service. Those called-up before 1st April, 1948, are eligible for the same scale of leave as Regular soldiers and receive 42 days' leave a year in the United Kingdom and 10 days' local leave. National Service men who entered the army in the period 1st April, 1948, to 31st December, 1948, are eligible, while serving in Germany, for one period of 21 days' leave in the United Kingdom, provided they have served for eight months in Germany and will have a minimum of six weeks to serve on return from leave; otherwise they may take their leave locally. They are also eligible, in either case, for seven days' local leave. National Service men called-up on or after 1st January, 1949, may be granted 14 days' leave during service in Germany, which, provided they fulfil the same conditions, they may take in the United Kingdom. Otherwise they may take their 14 days as local leave.

With regard to the latter group, am I right in assuming that there have been no modifications of these arrangements in recent weeks, and, if so, that a leave promised in November but withheld can be regarded as postponed rather than cancelled, provided, of course, that no disciplinary question is involved?

I know of no modifications which have taken place in recent weeks, but I will make inquiries and let my hon. Friend know.